England coach Tuchel understands Argentina's dark blue-kit superstition
England football manager Thomas Tuchel has acknowledged the superstition surrounding Argentina's dark blue away kit ahead of their World Cup semi-final match. The kit is historically associated with significant Argentine victories against England, including the 1986 'Hand of God' game.
Why it matters
Sports folklore and psychological factors often play a role in high-stakes international competitions, influencing team morale and public perception.
Jun 10, 2026; Tustin, California, USA; Adidas jerseys of Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) at Dick's Sporting Goods. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images FILE PHOTO: Football - 1998 FIFA World Cup - Second Round - England v Argentina - Stade Geoffroy Guichard, Saint Etienne - 30/6/98 Pic : Darren Walsh / Action Images England's David Beckham is shown the red card/File Photo Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - England Press Conference - Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. - July 14, 2026 England manager Thomas Tuchel during the press confence REUTERS/Paul Childs 15 Jul 2026 09:09AM (Updated: 15 Jul 2026 07:12PM) Bookmark Bookmark Share WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Email LinkedIn Set CNA as your preferred source on Google Add CNA as a trusted source to help Google better understand and surface our content in search results. Read a summary of this article on FAST. Get bite-sized news via a new cards interface. Give it a try. Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST FAST ATLANTA: Argentina's dark blue jersey has become more than just an alternate strip. For many, it is part of the team's football folklore, a shirt stitched with some of the nation's most famous World Cup memories - and, perhaps, a little bit of good luck.
The article covers sports news and cultural narratives surrounding a match without bias.
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